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Mini hatch John Cooper Works

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Expert Rating

Mini hatch John Cooper Works

(2015 - present)

    Considering a new Mini?

    Summary


    The third-generation Mini hatch John Cooper Works is a hot-hatch variant of the regular three-door Mini hatchback, a step above the well-known Mini Cooper S version.

    Sometimes simply referred to as the ‘Mini John Cooper Works’, The Mini hatch JCW first appeared in UK dealerships in Summer 2015, and was given a small facelift along with the rest of the Mini hatch range in Spring 2019.

    Only one engine spec is available, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine providing 228hp to reach a top speed of 153mph. Customers can choose either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

    The Mini hatch John Cooper Works recieved plenty of acclaim from the UK media when it first arrived on the scene in 2015, with Auto Trader concluding back then that, “Few rivals have the JCW’s image, character or downright cheekiness, and for many buyers, that’ll be the deal-sealer. If you can afford it, you’ll absolutely love it.”

    Despite many newer hot hatch rivals launching in the UK since then, the Mini hatch JCW still stands up well to the competition. Car called it “sensational to drive” back in 2015, and says today that “… it still is, remaining such a hoot to drive you forgive it for being a bit too firm around town.”

    Besides questions about the cramped nature of the cabin, the main sticking point reviewers continually reference is the price of this Mini hot hatch, particularly as it costs around £7,500 more than its principal rival and class leader, the Ford Fiesta ST.

    If you are set on buying a Mini, Autocar points out that there are better value options within the Mini hatch range too, “For a lot of drivers, the Cooper S delivers 99% of the fun for a saving of around £5,000.”

    As of October 2023, the Mini hatch John Cooper Works holds an Expert Rating of 71%, based on 12 reviews published by UK media sources, which is slightly lower than the 74% currently held by the regular Mini hatch.

    The Car Expert Best of British horizontal banner

    Mini hatch JCW highlights

    • Unique interior trim
    • Performance that rivals larger hot hatches
    • Responsive handling and body control
    • Value depreciates slowly

    Mini hatch JCW lowlights

    • Other small hot hatches are better value
    • Rigid ride comfort
    • Cramped rear seating
    • Apple CarPlay, but still no Android Auto

    Key specifications


    Body style: Three-door hatchback
    Engines: petrol
    Price: From £27,615 on-road

    Launched: Summer 2015
    Last updated: Summer 2021
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Trader

    +

    Autocar

    +

    Car

    +

    Car Keys

    +

    Carbuyer

    +

    Evo

    +

    Heycar

    +

    Honest John

    +

    Top Gear

    +

    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 4 stars
    Date tested: December 2014
    Date expired: January 2021
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 79%
    Child protection: 73%
    Vulnerable road users: 66%
    Safety assist: 56%

    Notes on safety rating

    The Mini hatch was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2014 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2021 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

    However, if you are comparing a used Mini hatch to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

    Euro NCAP has not explicitly tested the Mini hatch John Cooper Works, but did crash test the regular Mini hatch in December 2014, giving the hatchback a four-star rating. As the structure and safety features of both the hatch and JCW are the same, this rating would have stood for the Mini hatch JCW as well.

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    No eco rating

    As of October 2023, the Mini hatch John Cooper Works has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

    Across all three generations, the Mini hatch – including the JCW performance models – has a reliability score that is slightly above average, according to exclusive used car warranty data from our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This is good news if you are thinking about buying a used Mini hatch.

    The biggest concern is that the most common problem is also the most expensive one – engine issues. The average repair cost is over £1,000, so it’s worth carefully inspecting a used car or making sure you purchase an extended warranty for your Mini to cover you once the factory new car warranty runs out.

    Running cost rating

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    As of October 2023, we don’t have independently verified data available for the Mini hatch John Cooper Works. Check back again soon.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mini hatch John Cooper Works has received

    2016

    • Sport Auto Magazine Awards – Sportiest Car

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Mini hatch John Cooper Works, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Abarth 595 | Ford Fiesta ST | Hyundai i20 N | Mini Cooper S | Suzuki Swift Sport | Toyota GR Yaris | Volkswagen Polo GTI | Volkswagen Up GTI


    More news, reviews and information about the Mini John Cooper Works range at The Car Expert

    New high-power MINI JCW Countryman revealed

    New high-power MINI JCW Countryman revealed

    Mini JCW GP (2019 to 2020)

    Mini JCW GP (2019 to 2020)

    Mini John Cooper Works GP revealed as two-seat ultra-hot hatch

    Mini John Cooper Works GP revealed as two-seat ultra-hot hatch

    Mini GP John Cooper Works pricing announced

    Mini GP John Cooper Works pricing announced

    Mini Clubman John Cooper Works test drive

    Mini Clubman John Cooper Works test drive

    Mini teases upcoming John Cooper Works GP model

    Mini teases upcoming John Cooper Works GP model

    Mini Countryman and Clubman JCW models updated

    Mini Countryman and Clubman JCW models updated

    Mini John Cooper Works models updated

    Mini John Cooper Works models updated

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    The Mini hatch John Cooper Works has the pace to keep up with larger hot hatches, but its price is rather steep for a car of this size.Mini hatch John Cooper Works